The surface treatment of stainless steel has an important impact on its appearance, corrosion resistance, wear resistance and functionality. Different surface treatment processes can meet different application requirements. The following are common stainless steel surface processes and their uses:
1.Original Surface (No.1)
Process: After hot rolling, it is heat treated and pickled, and the surface is rough.
Features:
The surface is rough and dull.
Good corrosion resistance, but poor appearance.
Application:
Industrial equipment, structural parts and other occasions where appearance requirements are not high.
2.2B Surface
Process: After cold rolling, heat treatment, pickling, and finally light cold rolling.
Features:
The surface is smooth and slightly shiny.
Good corrosion resistance, which is a common stainless steel surface state.
Application:
Food processing equipment, kitchen utensils, building materials, medical equipment, etc.
3.BA Surface (bright annealed surface)
Process: Bright annealing in a protective atmosphere after cold rolling.
Features:
The surface is very smooth and has a mirror effect.
Excellent corrosion resistance and cleanability.
Applications:
High-end home appliances, electronic products, decorative materials, medical devices, etc.
4.Brushed Surface (HL surface)
Process: Continuous straight or curved lines are formed through mechanical polishing.
Features:
The surface has fine texture and strong texture.
Good wear resistance and not easy to leave fingerprints.
Application:
Elevator decoration, home appliance panels, building decoration, kitchenware, etc.
5.Mirror Surface (No.8)
Technology: Mirror effect is achieved through multiple polishing.
Features:
The surface is as bright as a mirror and has high reflectivity.
Excellent cleaning performance, but easy to scratch.
Applications:
High-end decoration, artwork, mirror equipment, luxury goods, etc.
6.Sandblasting Surface
Process: Form a uniform frosted surface by high-speed spraying of sand particles.
Features:
The surface is uniform and delicate, and the texture is soft.
Good wear resistance and anti-fingerprint performance.
Application:
Architectural decoration, home appliance housing, industrial equipment, etc.
7.Electroplating Surface
Process: Electroplating a layer of other metals (such as chromium, nickel, titanium, etc.) on the surface of stainless steel.
Features:
The surface has various colors and strong decorative effect.
The corrosion resistance and wear resistance are further improved.
Application:
High-end decoration, jewelry, electronic products, auto parts, etc.
8.Colored Stainless Steel
Process: Form a colored oxide film on the surface of stainless steel by chemical or electrochemical methods.
Features:
The surface has rich colors (such as gold, blue, purple, etc.).
Highly decorative and corrosion-resistant.
Uses:
Architectural decoration, artwork, signboards, household items, etc.
9.Etched Surface
Process: Chemical etching is used to form patterns or textures on the surface of stainless steel.
Features:
The surface can be customized with patterns and has strong decorative properties.
Good corrosion resistance and wear resistance.
Applications:
Decorative panels, artworks, signage, high-end furniture, etc.
10.Anti-Fingerprint Surface (AF surface)
Process: Anti-fingerprint coating is applied on the surface.
Features:
The surface is smooth and not easy to leave fingerprints and stains.
Excellent cleaning performance and good corrosion resistance.
Applications:
Home appliance panels, elevator decoration, electronic products, etc.
11.Coating Surface
Process: Anti-fingerprint coating is applied on the surface.
Features:
The surface is smooth and not easy to leave fingerprints and stains.
Excellent cleaning performance and good corrosion resistance.
Applications:
Home appliance panels, elevator decoration, electronic products, etc.
Summary Comparison of Surface Treatments
| Surface Treatment | Features | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Original Surface (No.1) | Rough, good corrosion resistance | Industrial equipment, structural components |
| 2B Surface | Smooth, slightly glossy | Food equipment, building materials, medical devices |
| BA Surface | Mirror effect, excellent cleanliness | High-end appliances, electronics, decorative materials |
| Polished Surface (HL) | Delicate texture, good wear resistance | Elevator decorations, appliance panels, kitchenware |
| Mirror Surface (No.8) | High reflectivity, prone to scratching | High-end decor, artwork, mirror devices |
| Sandblasted Surface | Uniformly fine, soft texture | Decorative construction, household electrical appliances, industrial equipment |
| Electroplated Surface | Diverse colors, decorative strength | High-end decor, jewelry, electronic products |
| Colored Stainless Steel | Rich colors, decorative strength | Decorative construction, artwork, home furnishings |
| Engraved Surface | Customizable patterns, decorative strength | Decorative panels, artwork, signage |
| Anti-Fingerprint Surface (AF) | Resistant to fingerprints, excellent cleanliness | Household electrical appliance panels, elevator decorations, electronic products |
| Coated Surface | Excellent weather resistance, diverse colors | Building facades, roofs, outdoor decorations |
Selection Suggestions
High decorative requirements: choose mirror, brushed, colored or etched surfaces.
High corrosion resistance requirements: choose 2B, BA or anti-fingerprint surfaces.
Outdoor use: choose coated surfaces to improve weather resistance.
Industrial use: choose original surface or sandblasted surface.
Choosing the appropriate surface process according to specific needs can give full play to the performance and aesthetics of stainless steel.